2.  Job Search  R é sum é s  Job Application Letter

3. 1. To prepare for employment by  identifying your interests  evaluating your assets  recognizing the changing nature of jobs  choosing a career path  studying traditional and electronic job search techniques 2. Compare and contrast chronological, functional and combination résumés

4. 3. Organize and format the parts of a résumé to produce a persuasive product 4. Write a persuasive job application letter (cover letter) to accompany your résumé.

5.  Knowing yourself  Knowing the job market  Knowing the employment process

6. Introspection  Do I enjoy working with people, data or things?  How important is it to be my own boss?  How important are salary, benefits, technology support and job stability?  How important are working environment, colleagues and job stimultion?  Would I rather work for a large or small company?

7.  Must I work in a specific city, geographical area or climate?  Am I looking for security, travel opportunities, money, power, or prestige?  How would I describe the perfect job, boss and coworkers?

8.  What computer skills can I offer?  What other skills have I acquired in school, on the job, or through activities?  Do I work well with people? What proof can I offer?  Am I a leader, self starter, or manager? What evidence can I offer?  Do I speak, write or understand another language?  Do I learn quickly? Am I creative? How can I demonstrate these characteristics?  Do I communicate well in speech and in writing?

9.  Job Shift by William Bridges  Flexible work arrangements  No specific job description  Team projects  Migration of work away from fixed “boxes”  New technologies are springing up overnight, making today’s skills obsolete  Employers are less willing to hire people into jobs with narrow descriptions.

10.  You should no longer think in terms of a life long career with one company.  Flexible job assignments  You will strive for career durability rather than job security.  For maximum durability, you should be prepared for constant retraining to update your skills.

11.  Visit your campus career center  Search the web  Use your library—Dictionary of occupational titles, Occupational outlook handbook etc.  Take a summer job, internship or part-time position in your field  Interview someone in your chosen field  Monitor the classified ads  Join professional organizations in your field

12.  Check classified ads in local and national newspapers  Examine announcements in publications of professional organizations  Contact companies in which you’re interested, even if you know of no current opening.

13.  Ask for advice from your professors  Develop your own network of contacts

14.  Careers Builder-----online network of career centers  True Careers---search millions of jobs at all leading career sites with one click  College Grad Job Hunter-----hints for novices to the job market  Monster---- access to information on more than 500,000 jobs worldwide.  Can search by category, city, or nation.  WetFeet----- expert advice on anything from resume to getting dressed.

15. If your résumé isn’t a winner, it’s a killer. (J. L. Kennedy)

16. 1. Chronological ------most popular with recruiters 2. Employers typically prefer this type of resume because it's easy to see what jobs you have held and when you have worked at them. 3. It lists work history job by job, starting with the most recent position 4. It reveals a candidate’s education and experience record 5. This type of resume works well for job seekers with a strong, solid work history.

17.  A functional résumé focuses on your skills and experience, rather than on your chronological work history.  It is used most often by people who are changing careers or who have gaps in their employment history.  A functional résumé is also preferred for applications to jobs that require a very specific skill set or clearly defined personality traits.

18.  A combination resume lists your skills and experience first and your employment history is listed next.  With this type of resume you can highlight the skills you have that are relevant to the job you are applying for, and also provide the chronological work history that employers prefer.  Good choice for recent graduates---it enables them to profile what hey can do for a prospective employer

19.  The Curriculum Vitae, CV, or resume is one of the most important documents for a professional.  The resume is so important because it tends to be a single document that informs everyone interested about all the facts related to the professional life of the individual.

20. One of the most important aspects of the resume is the career objectives that are inserted by the professional.  Location In many resumes, the career objectives paragraph is in a prominent place, either at the beginning of the resume or at the end.  This gives the reader a quick idea as to what the professional is seeking. With this, the reader can make a quick decision as to whether the company can really provide what the professional is seeking.

21.  Furthermore, with the changing times, working for a company has become a give and take relationship, where both the professional and the company work with each other based on mutual understandings.  Under such conditions, it is crucial that the professional as well as the company are open about what they expect from the working relationship from the very beginning

22. Due to these reasons, if a career objective is not listed, the reader may well think that the professional does not know what he or she wants and is undecided, or is generally not knowledgeable about the professional world.

23.  Another aspect that one must keep in mind is that the career objectives paragraph should be written in a style and language that comply with the rest of the resume.  Sometimes, a person applying for a job pays a lot of attention to the entire resume but writes the career objectives paragraph in a hurry.  Therefore, the connection between the resume and the career objectives paragraph is lost. This creates a strange scenario for the interviewer and it could be one of the reasons why the company did not call you for the interview at all!

24. Pursue a Career in Your Profession The first aspect of the right career objective is that it should be in line with the job that you have applied for.  For example, if you have applied for a job in an IT company, you should make sure that your career objectives reflect that you have taken academic degrees and have always wanted to pursue a career in the IT field.  In the same manner, if you are trying to pursue marketing or even a creative field, you should make sure that your career objective summary reflects the same. “To build a long-term career in IT field with opportunities for career growth”

25. Modern Technologies  People working in the business of technology should use the career objective paragraph to speak about the technologies that they would like to have a chance to learn about.  Along with technology, the professional should make it clear that he or she would be more than interested in the amount of new skills that the job will offer to them.  One should also add that learning new technologies would be beneficial for the individual as well as the company.  “To keep up with the cutting edge of technologies”

26. Entry Level  Additionally, try to keep the career objectives practical and not overly ambitious.  In the professional world, being logical is not only practical, but it is also a very good idea.  Therefore, if you are seeking an entry-level positions, your career objective should state that you are looking to join a stable company that would give you a chance to learn more and therefore enhance your job profile greatly.  “To enhance my professional skills in a dynamic and stable workplace”

27. New Joiner in an IT Company:  To gain employment with a company or institution that offers me a consistently positive atmosphere to learn new technologies and implement them for the betterment of the business.

28. Senior Level  If you are trying to join a company at a senior level, you would do well to write in your career objectives something to the effect of looking for a company that offers you the perfect environment for employing your abilities and experience for the betterment of the business, the company, and therefore your own career goals.  “To use my skills in the best possible way for achieving the company’s goals”

29. Solving Problems In A Creative Manner  The paragraph about career objectives may speak about the chance of solving problems in a creative manner that the position would offer to the person selected for the job. “To solve problems in an effective/creative manner in a challenging position” “Seeking a responsible job with an opportunity for professional challenges”

30.  Experts do not agree on how long a resume should be.  Conventional wisdom----recruiters prefer one- page resume.  However, the recruiters actually chose to interview the applicants with two-page resumes.  Recruiters who are serious about candidates often prefer a full picture with the kind of details that can be provided in two-page resume.

31.  Though resumes have standard parts, their arrangement and content should be strategically planned.  Persuasive resumes emphasize skills and achievements aimed at particular job or company.  Try to create as few headings as possible.  More than six generally look cluttered.

32.  Begin with your name, address, cell or land phone numbers, and e-mail address, if available.  Avoid to show both permanent and temporary addresses. Choose one address to use.  Keep the main heading as uncluttered and simple as possible.  Don’t include the word résumé.

33.  If applying for a specific job, it should be targeted on a specific position. For example, the following responds to an advertised position: “To work in the health care industry as a human resource trainee with exposure to recruiting, training and benefits administration.”  Include a general statement if preparing all purpose resume.”Challenging position in urban planning.”

34.  Name and location of your institutions, date of attendance, major fields of study, and degrees received.  GPA, grades or division is important for your prospective employers.  One way to enhance your GPA is to calculate it in your major courses only e.g 3.6/4.0 in major.  Don’t list all courses you took.  Refer to courses only if they are related to the position sought.  If education is incomplete--------B.S. degree expected 06/13 or 80 units completed in 120 – unit program.  Entitle this section Education, Academic Preparation or Professional Training.

35.  Include only those jobs that will help you win the targeted position.  For each position, show the following:  Name of the organization, city, and state.  Dates of employment  Most important job title  Significant duties, activities, accomplishments, and promotions

36.  Describe your employment achievements concisely but concretely.  Avoid generalities like “worked with Customers”.  Be more specific with statements such as “Acted as intermediary among customers, printers and suppliers”.  If possible quantify your achievements, such as “Keyed all the production models for a 250-page employee procedures manual” or “Assisted editor in layout, design, and news writing for twelve issues of division newsletter”.

37.  In addition to technical skills, employers seek individuals with communication, management and interpersonal capabilities.  Select work experiences and achievements that illustrate your initiative, responsibility, resourcefulness and leadership.  “Headed student government team that conducted most successful voter registration in campus history. ”

38.  Recruiters want to know specifically what you can do for their companies.  List your special skills, such as “Proficient in preparing correspondence and reports using Word”.  Include your ability to use computer programs, office equipment and languages etc.  Proficiencies acquired through training and experience, such as trained in computer accounting etc.

39.  Use expressions such as trained in, skilled in, proficient with and ability to etc.  Working well under stress and learning computer programs quickly.  Mastered photoshop in 25 hours with little instructions.

40.  Three or more awards--- list them under a separate heading  Include awards, scholarships (financial and other), fellowships, honors, recognition, commendations and certificates.  Recipient of Star award VS Recipient of Star Award given by Pepperdine University to outstanding graduates who combine academic excellence with extracurricular activities.  Include school, community and professional activities.

41.  Evidence of well-rounded person.  Use action statements e.g., Treasurer of business club VS Collected dues, kept financial records, and paid bills while serving as treasurer of 35-member business management club.

42.  Whether or not you include references in your resume, you should have their names available.  Instructors or previous employers  Do not include personal references, such as friends or neighbors, because rarely consult them.

43.  Avoid unusual typefaces, underlining and italics  Use 10 to 14 point type  Use smooth white paper, black ink and quality printing  Be sure that your name is the first line on the page  Provide white space  Avoid double columns  Don’t fold your resume  Use abbreviations carefully

44.  Inflated education, grades or honors--- cause of dismissal when discovered.  Enhanced job title  Puffed-up accomplishments--- suspection of dubious claims on resume---- specific and embarrassing questions during interview.  Altered employment dates.

45.  To accompany your resume, you’ll need a persuasive job application letter (cover letter).  Job letter has three purposes:  Introducing the resume  Highlighting your strengths in terms of benefits to the reader  Gaining an interview

46.  An opening that gains attention  A body that builds interest and reduces resistance  Closing that motivates action

47.  Opening for Solicited jobs:  Address your employer by name  Refer to the name of an employee in the company e.g., “At the suggestion of Ms. Jennifer Larson of your Human Resources Department, I submit my qualifications for the position of staffing coordinator. ”  Refer to the source of your information precisely e.g., Your advertisement in Section C-3 of the June 1 The News for an accounting administrator greatly appeals to me. With my accounting training and computer experience, I believe I could serve Quad Graphics well.

48.  Refer to the job title and describe how your qualifications fit the requirements e.g. “Because of my specialized training in computerized accounting at XYZ university, I feel confident that I have the qualifications you described your advertisement for a cost accountant trainee.”

49.  Demonstrate interest in and knowledge of the reader’s business e.g. “Since Sigma HealthNet, Inc., is organizing a new information management team for its recently established group insurance division, could you use the services of a well-trained information systems graduate who seeks to become a professional systems analyst?”

50.  Show how your special talents and background will benefit the company e.g. “Could your rapidly expanding publications division use the services of an editorial assistant who offers exceptional language skills, an honors degree from the University of Maine, and two years’ experience in producing a campus literary publication?”

51. Resume--- what you have done Job Letter--- what you can do  Explain how your preparation and experience fill the stated requirements  Emphasize reader benefits – describe your strong points in relation to the needs of the employer. “I have completed courses in communication skills, report writing and technical writing.”

52. “Courses in communication skills, report writing and technical writing have helped me develop the research and writing skills required of your technical writers.”  Choose your strongest qualification and show how they fit the targeted job. “ Because you seek an architect’s apprentice with proven ability, I submit a drawing of mine that won second place in the Sinclair College drafting contest last year.”

53.  Mention relevant personality traits  Refer the reader to the attached resume. “Please refer to the attached resume for additional information regarding my education, experience and references.”

54.  Ask for an interview  Never ask for the job  Sound sincere and appreciative “I hope this brief description of my qualifications and the additional information on my resume indicate to you my genuine desire to put my skills in web developing to work for you. Please call me at (405) 488-2291 before 10 a.m. or after 3 p.m. to arrange an interview.”

55. 1. Full Block Format 2. Modified Block Format 3. Semi- block Format (with indented paragraphs)

56. Dear Mr. Kashif Ali Subject: Application for Vacancy for Software Developer I am writing with respect to your job advertisement on Learnist.org for an experienced Software Developer. I feel confident that with my training and experience in software developing, I could serve XYZ Company well. During the past 2 years working amongst a small team of software developers, I have gained extensive knowledge of installing, maintaining and troubleshooting and this, together with the qualifications I have gained makes me an ideal candidate. I noted from your website that your company has recently achieved targets in securing additional clients and I consider I would be a true asset to your company with my excellent software development skills and ability to communicate well with colleagues and clients. My greatest strengths are being able to write and code programmes in accordance with a brief, investigate and analyse defects and perform well under pressure. Please find enclosed a copy of my CV for your consideration. I would be delighted to have the opportunity to meet with you to discuss further the job role and my previous work history.

57. Dear Ms. Smith: Are you searching for a software engineer with a proven ability to develop high-performance applications and technical innovations? If so, please consider my enclosed resume. Since 2002, I have served as a software engineer for Action Company, where I have been repeatedly recognized for developing innovative solutions for multimillion-dollar, globally deployed software and systems. I am responsible for full lifecycle development of next- generation software, from initial requirement gathering to design, coding, testing, documentation and implementation. Known for excellent client-facing skills, I have participated in proposals and presentations that have landed six-figure contracts. I also excel in merging business and user needs into high- quality, cost-effective design solutions while keeping within budgetary constraints. My technical expertise includes cross-platform proficiency (Windows, Unix, Linux and VxWorks); fluency in 13 scripting/programming languages (including C, C++, VB, Java, Perl and SQL); and advanced knowledge of developer applications, tools, methodologies and best practices (including OOD, client/server architecture and self-test automation). My experience developing user-friendly solutions on time and on budget would enable me to step into a software engineering role at XYZ Company and hit the ground running. I will follow up with you next week, and you may reach me at (215) 555-5555. I look forward to speaking with you.

58. Job Title: Software Engineer Job Responsibilities :  Develop, create, and modify general computer applications software or specialized utility programs.  Analyze user needs and develop software solutions.  Design software or customize software for client use with the aim of optimizing operational efficiency.  Analyze and design databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team. Qualification / Desired Skills:  Computer science degree from HEC accredited university  Excellent written and oral communication  Ability to work in a team environment  Project, perform and deliver under pressure and within tight deadlines